A familiar voice is no longer proof of identity: AI cloning can make a scam call sound like a child, grandchild or friend. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the risk during an Aug 16 scam-prevention talk in Miri. He said scammers can combine convincing voices, images, videos and fake documents, then add urgency or secrecy to stop victims from checking with family members. The pressure tactics are the real warning signs. “Do it now”, “don't tell anyone” and “stay on the line” are designed to prevent independent checking. Family members can help older relatives by agreeing on a safe word and practising what to do before a real call arrives. A familiar voice is no longer enough to prove who is calling. Families can agree on a private question or safe word now, then call back using a number already saved in the phone instead of continuing a pressured conversation. If money has already moved, contact the bank immediately and call 997; keep the messages, account details and receipts for investigators.

A fire gutted 62 doors of a 55-year-old longhouse in Simpang Nu, Batu Niah. [image: 1785557146689-longhouse_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said Rumah Panjang Changgai, built in 1971, had 76 doors in total. The non-permanent longhouse had been unoccupied since 2023. No injuries or deaths were reported. Firefighting operation Bomba received the emergency call at 6.24pm on Friday, July 31. Firefighters from Batu Niah, assisted by Lopeng personnel, were sent to the scene. When they arrived, the affected section was already engulfed in flames. The fire was brought under control at 8.15pm, and the operation ended at 12.39am on Aug 1. A total of 19 firefighters, two Fire Rescue Tenders and one Emergency Medical Rescue Services vehicle were involved. Location: Simpang Nu, Batu Niah Details: 62 of 76 longhouse doors destroyed; no casualties reported Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

An 18-year-old has been arrested over an alleged Permyjaya shop break-in in Miri. [image: 1785546343232-permyjaya_breakin_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Miri police arrested an 18-year-old local individual after a business premises in Permyjaya, Lutong was allegedly broken into and about RM100 cash was reported stolen. Miri District Police Headquarters said the report was lodged on July 23 at 3.20pm after the shop owner found signs of forced entry. CCTV footage allegedly showed a suspect damaging the door, entering the premises and leaving with the cash. Police action Location: Permyjaya, Lutong, Miri Details: A team led by Miri Police Station Chief ASP Goldy Jangan arrested the suspect in the Lutong area and seized several items believed linked to the case. The suspect has been remanded for investigation under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which covers housebreaking or breaking into a building with intent to commit an offence. Hot Score: 22/30 Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

The Niah National Park forest fire is now fully extinguished after a three-day operation involving air and ground teams. [image: 1784109951034-niah-fire.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Sarawak confirmed that the fire was put out at 12pm on July 15, after 20 helicopter water bombing runs released 26,000 litres of water over the affected area. Location: Niah National Park, Miri Division Details: The affected area covered 1.62 hectares. The final stage of the operation began at 9.45am and lasted three hours and 36 minutes, using one Bomba Air Unit MI-171 helicopter with 11 personnel. Ground support came from Bomba Batu Niah Station, with help from the Royal Malaysia Police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Authorities said the fire is now 100 per cent extinguished, with monitoring to make sure the area stays safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?